Band 3 - Library and Knowledge Services Assistant, Corporate

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Band 3 Library and Knowledge Services Assistant (Corporate) to support NHS staff by locating and delivering information for decision making, education and research at Watford General Hospital.

The role focuses on enquiries desk services, cataloguing, and library administration, with occasional work at St Albans City Hospital. ICT skills, problem solving, and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths and English at grade C or above.
• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Library, Information and Archive Services or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Operate an enquiries desk to help NHS staff find information, resources or services.
• Search in databases and systems for required publications and obtain copies for staff.
• Provide administrative support such as processing new registrations and reminders for overdue books.
• Promote library services and maintain good relationships with the Library and Knowledge Services team.

Skills

MS Office

Databases

Education

GCSE (Maths & English) A-C

Library, Information and Archive Services - Level 3 Apprenticeship

Tools

Library Management System

Job description

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 3 - Library and Knowledge Services Assistant, Corporate

The closing date is 08 November 2026

This role provides NHS staff with access to the information needed for their decision-making, education, research and development. It involves identifying a person's information needs, locating the required information, and supplying it in the most relevant format available.

The position will also provide a core role in supporting many of the administrative processes involved in a functioning library.

This work will take place within the library at Watford General Hospital, with occasional support to the department's other library on the St Albans City Hospital site. Working hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Successful applicants without a level 3 Library and Information Archive Services Assistant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification would be expected to complete the course after starting, funded by the Trust.

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Please note - we are unable to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) for this role.

Main duties of the job

The main duties of the role relate to operating an enquiries desk to help NHS staff find the most relevant information, resource or service that meets their needs.

This will involve searching in a variety of databases, systems and schemes for a required book or article, before acquiring a copy of the publication and getting it to the person requesting it.

The role will also provide much of the administrative support necessary to meet the demands of the department, such a processing new registration applications to the library system, or keeping track and notifying someone when they are late returning their book.

A good understanding of ICT will be needed, as well as troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, creativity, attention to detail, being flexible in a team, open to adaptation and change, able to show initiative on own development, manage distractions, prioritise appropriately during variable workloads, good customer service skills and the confidence to be a clear communicator.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and require support or guidance please [e-mail] If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

Job responsibilities

This role is responsible for searching and supplying requested publications to NHS staff, and to operate an enquiries desk to assist in enabling them to access the information they need. This can often involve training library users in how to use the information resources available.

The position features classification and cataloguing of new books to the library system, as well as shelving books and keeping the collections tidy.

There will be administrative responsibilities, such as processing new membership registrations, sending reminders to return overdue books, and recording usage data of library services.

This role also includes duties surrounding the promotion of the library services, and creating promotional content.

Good working relationships will be needed with the rest of the Library and Knowledge Services Team, as well as the other educational departments, such as Medical Education, Learning and Development and Simulation.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level including Maths and English grades A - C or equivalent
• Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant - Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Knowledge

• Proficient user at intermediate level of databases and all MS Office packages.
• Reasonable knowledge of office management processes
• Working within a hospital or similar environment.

Experience

• Organising events and activities
• Range of work procedures and practices.
• Basic understanding of relevant legislation e.g. data protection and copyright.
• Knowledge and use of Library specific software and hardware including Library Management System.
• Knowledge and use of health databases & internet resources.
• Experience of working within a Library/training administration environment.
• NHS experience.
• Creating publicity material.
• Working in a busy administrative role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust